Updates, advisories and surprises

Tetra Tech Q1 earns fall 39%; sees Q2 below Wall Street (10:46 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Tetra Tech Inc.
TTEK
posted a 39 percent drop in first-quarter earnings late Wednesday and forecast second-quarter results below analysts' average expectations. The Pasadena, Calif.-based provider of consulting, engineering and technical services made $7.9 million, or 14 cents a share, vs. $12.9 million, or 23 cents a share, the year before. Sales rose to $348.3 million from $337.1 million. Tetra Tech said it expects to report second-quarter earnings ranging from 15 cents to 17 cents a share on revenue of $235 million to $245 million. Analysts are looking for a per-share profit of 19 cents on sales of $252 million. For the year, Tetra Tech said it still expects to make 76 cents to 83 cents a share in earnings on sales of $1 billion to $1.1 billion.

Meritage Homes Q4 earns jump 64%, ups 2005 forecast (10:09 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Meritage Homes
MTH
posted late Wednesday a 64 percent rise in fourth-quarter earnings that beat expectations and raised its profit and sales forecast for 2005. The homebuilder made $51.8 million, or $1.88 a share, in the quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with $31.6 million, or $1.13 a share, the year before. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had been looking for a profit of $1.76 a share. Sales rose to $699.8 million from $473 million and bested Wall Street's average forecast of $660 million. Meritage also increased its 2005 sales forecast by $300 million to a range of $2.5 bilion to $2.6 billion, and took its per-share forecast to $6.05 to $6.30 from a prior expectation of $5.13 to $5.28. For the first quarter, Meritage forecast earnings of $1.10 to $1.15 a share.

Airgas quarterly profit rises but lower than expected (8:42 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Airgas Inc.
ARG
late Wednesday reported a lower-than-expected fiscal third-quarter profit due to higher expenses. The Radnor, Pa.-based provider of industrial gas and safety supplies posted a profit of $23 million, or 30 cents a share, up from $20.9 million, or 28 cents a share, in the year-earlier period. Sales rose 35 percent to $612 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected Airgas to post a profit of 32 cents a share.

Vectren Corp posts lower Q4 earns, higher rev (8:41 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Vectren Corp.
VVC
reported a 6 percent dip in fourth-quarter profit late Wednesday but said sales for the period rose 13.1 percent. The Evansville, Ind.-based gas and electric utility company said it made $41.5 million, or 55 cents a share, vs. $44.1 million, or 58 cents a share, the year before. Revenue rose to $513.3 million from $454 million. Vectren said it still expects to post earnings of $1.70 to $1.90 a share in fiscal 2005.

Catalina shares rise after swinging to Q3 profit (8:09 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Catalina Marketing Corp.
POS
shares rose more than 4 percent to $27 in after-hours trade Wednesday after the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based company, which provides consumer research-based services, swung to a third-quarter profit. Catalina posted earnings of $19 million, or 36 cents a share. Last year, the firm reported a loss of $3.6 million, or 7 cents a share. Sales in the quarter ended Dec. 31 slipped to $100.3 million from $101.9 million.

Owens-Illinois swings to Q4 profit (8:06 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Owens-Illinois Inc.
OI
reported late Wednesday that it swung to a fourth-quarter profit of $21.7 million, or 11 cents a share. Last year, the Toledo, Ohio-based company reported a loss of $1.07 billion, or $7.33 a share. Net sales for the quarter were $1.72 billion vs. $1.26 billion a year earlier. Asbestos-related cash payments for the glass and plastic packaging maker were $39.8 million compared with $41.8 million a year ago.

Teleflex: Court rejects jury award vs Teleflex unit (7:38 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Teleflex Inc.
TFX
said Wednesday after the bell that a trial judge in the Federal District Court for the Northern District of Georgia rejected a jury award of $34.8 million for reasonable royalties and profits against one of Teleflex's subsidiaries, Rusch. The Limerick, Penn.-based diversified industrial company said the lawsuit is based on trademark infringement claims.

Intergraph Q4 profit soar; CFO to retire (7:31 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Intergraph Corp.
INGR
reported after the bell Wednesday that fourth-quarter earnings increased to $7.3 million, or 21 cents a share, from $400,000, or 1 cent a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter increased to $146.2 million from $144.5 million. Analysts expected earnings of 16 cents a share on revenue of $135 million, according to Thomson First Call. The Hunstville, Ala.-based technology firm also forecast first-quarter revenue of $134 million to $136 million, and 2005 revenue of $570 million to $580 million. Additionally, Intergraph Chief Financial Officer Larry Laster said he plans to retire, but will remain a member of the board. A replacement has not been named, the company said.

Energy Transfer buys pipeline from American Electric (7:29 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Energy Transfer Partners
ETP
has purchased the controlling interest in Houston Pipe Line Co. from American Electric Power, the companies said late Wednesday. Energy Transfer bought 98 percent of the partnership interest in HPL for $825 million and also purchased 30 billion cubic feet of working gas and working capital, for a total consideration of $1 billion. Energy Transfer expects the purchase to result in 40 cents to 50 cents per common unit of distributable cash flow annually. Management will subsequently recommend to the board a 20-cent increase in the annual cash distribution, to $3.70 per common unit.

Federal Agricultural Mortgage Q4 profit doubles (7:11 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corp.
AGM
Wednesday after the bell reported fourth-quarter earnings of $9.8 million, or 82 cents a share, vs. $4.9 million, or 40 cents a share, last year. Net interest income for the quarter at the Washington D.C.-based firm, also known as Farmer Mac, fell to $8 million from $9.1 million, a year ago.

Direct General to up loss reserves; sees Q4 EPS 35c-38c (7:06 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Direct General
DGCT
said late Wednesday that it's increasing its loss reserves, largely due to a change in a law regarding personal injury protection coverage in Florida. Citing the higher reserves and slower-than-anticipated sales growth, Nashville, Tenn.-based Direct General forecast fourth-quarter earnings of between 35 cents and 38 cents a share.

HealthExtras Inc Q4 profit rises 33% (7:06 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- HealthExtras Inc.
HLEX
reported after the bell Wednesday that its fourth-quarter earnings rose 33 percent to $4.5 million, or 12 cents a share, from $3.4 million or 9 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $153.4 million vs. $103.2 million. The Rockville, Md.-based pharmacy benefit management company raised its 2005 revenue outlook to between $700 million and $750 million. HealthExtras sees 2005 earnings of $23 million.

Furniture Brands Q4 profit, rev slip (7:00 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Furniture Brands International Inc.
FNB
after the bell Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings slipped to $22.3 million, or 42 cents a share, from $22.6 million, or 40 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter fell to $583.3 million from $616.9 million. Analysts expected earnings of 36 cents a share on revenue of $593 million, according to Thomson First Call. Additionally, the St. Louis, Mo.-based company forecast first-quarter earnings to be 45 cents to 49 cents a share.

Epicor Software Q4 profit more than doubles (6:54 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Epicor Software Corp. [: epic] reported late Wednesday that its fourth-quarter earnings more than doubled to $9.9 million, or 18 cents a share, from $3.5 million, or 7 cents a share, a year ago. Pro forma earnings were $13.7 million, or 24 cents a share. Revenue for the quarter was $23.9 million vs. $12 million a year earlier. The Irvine, Calif.-based software company said it expects first-quarter earnings of 12 cents on revenue of $67 million. First-quarter pro forma earnings are expected to be 17 cents a share, the company said. Epicor expects 2005 earnings to be 65 cents a share and it raised its fiscal revenue forecast to $274 million from $273 million. The company raised its pro forma 2005 earnings outlook to 84 cents a share from 83 cents a share.

Tollgrade Communications Q4 profit falls 48.7% (6:51 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Tollgrade Communications Inc.
TLGD
Wednesday after the bell reported that fourth-quarter earnings fell 48.7 percent to $674,000, or 5 cents a share, from $1.3 million, or 10 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter at the Pittsburgh, Penn.-based company fell to $16.1 million from $17.8 million. Analysts expected earnings of 5 cents a share on revenue of $16 million, according to Thomson First Call. The company also issued a first-quarter revenue forecast of $14 million to $18 million.

EFI posts lower Q4 results, forecasts in-line Q1 EPS (6:49 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- EFI
EFII
posted a drop in fourth-quarter results late Wednesday and forecast a first-quarter profit in line with analysts' estimates. The Foster City, Calif.-based printing solutions company made $813,000, or 2 cents a share, vs. $1.1 million, or 2 cents a share, last year. Sales fell to $81.2 million from $107.9 million. EFI forecast a net loss of 2 cents a share for the first quarter, and a per-share pro forma profit of 6 cents, in line with Wall Street, according to First Call. The company expects sales for the period to be even with fourth-quarter levels.

Provident Fin'l posts higher Q4 earns; ups div 16.7% (6:48 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Provident Financial Services
PFS
Wednesday evening reported fourth-quarter earnings of $17.1 million, or 24 cents per share, up from $8.2 million, or 15 cents per share, a year ago. Net interest income for the quarter was $48.5 million, compared with $33.9 million in 2003. Separately, the Jersey City, N.J.-based bank announced that it has raised its quarterly dividend 16.7 percent to 6 cents. The dividend will be paid on Feb. 18 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 11. Provident also announced that it will repurchase 3.7 million shares.

Pericom Semi delays Q2 financial results release (6:40 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Pericom Semiconductor Corp.
PSEM
said Wednesday after the bell that the release of its second-quarter financial results that were originally scheduled for Jan. 27, will be delayed. The San Jose, Calif.-based company said it needs more time to assess additional required inventory reserves.

Mattson Q4 profit rises on tax benefits, strong sales (6:33 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Mattson Technology Inc.
MTSN
said Wednesday after the bell that its fourth-quarter earnings rose to $15.7 million, or 30 cents a share, from $1.1 million, or 2 cents a share, a year ago. Earnings for the quarter were helped by tax benefits of $5.8 million, or 11 cents a share. However, an accounts receivable reserve of $1.1 million, or 2 cents a share, offset the tax benefits. Sales for the quarter rose to $71.4 million from $43.4 million a year earlier. The Fremont, Calif.-based semiconductor tool company said it expects first-quarter revenue in the range of $49 million to $54 million.

SR Telecom to reduce costs; gets add'l Siemens' order (6:27 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- SR Telecom Inc.
SRX
said Wednesday after the bell that it has temporarily laid-off 127 employees as a result of taking immediate steps to reduce its costs in order to align them with current levels of business activity. The Montreal-based manufacturer of wireless network products said it plans to recall the employees as soon as production returns to normal volumes. Additionally, SR Telecom said it received an additional order for 15 angel base stations from Siemens
SI
for the ongoing Telefonica TRAC project. Deliveries of base stations will begin immediately and will be completed during the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

Navarre Q3 profit nearly triples (6:13 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Navarre Corp.
NAVR
reported Wednesday after the bell that its third-quarter earnings nearly tripled to $10.4 million, or 36 cents a share, from $3.6 million, or 15 cents a share, a year ago. The Minneapolis, Minn.-based software company said sales for the period were $183.6 million vs. 156 million a year earlier.

Lone Star to adjust financial results prior to 2004 (5:59 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon Inc.
STAR
said Wednesday after the bell that its will adjust its financial statements for the years prior to 2004 as a result of changes in interpretation of existing generally accepted accounting principles.

Synergy Financial Q4 profit rises 7.6% (5:58 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Synergy Financial Group Inc.
SYNF
reported late Wednesday that its fourth-quarter earnings rose 7.6 percent to $1.2 million, or 10 cents a share, from $1.1 million, or 34 cents a share, a year ago. Outstanding shares for the quarter were 11.7 million vs. 3.3 million a year earlier. Net interest income for the quarter was $6 million vs. $5.3 million a year ago. The Cranford, N.J.-based bank holding company also said it will buy back up to 5 percent, or 622,600 of its shares in the next 12 months.

Varian posts higher Q1 results, issues Q2, 2005 outlook (5:58 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Varian Inc.
VARI
after the bell Wednesday reported first-quarter earnings of $14.9 million, or 42 cents per share, up from $13.6 million, or 38 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $235.9 million, compared with $212.5 million in 2004. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based scientific-instruments maker forecast second-quarter earnings of 30 cents to 38 cents per share, and 2005 earnings of $1.64 to $1.74 per share.

SupportSoft Inc. Q4 profit drops 36%; sales up 4% (5:50 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- SupportSoft Inc.
SPRT
after the bell Wednesday reported fourth-quarter income of $2.1 million, or 5 cents a share, down 36 percent from $3.4 million, or 8 cents a share, last year. Sales for the Redwood City, Calif. software company were $15.8 million, up 4 percent from $15.1 million a year ago. It forecast first-quarter earnings of 2 cents to 3 cents a share on revenue of $15.7 million to $16 million. SupportSoft forecast 2004 earnings of 20 cents to 23 cents a share on revenue of $69 million to $72 million.

Zhone Technologies narrows Q4 loss (5:47 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Zhone Technologies
ZHNE
after the bell Wednesday reported a fourth-quarter loss of $3.8 million, or 4 cents per share, narrower than its loss of $6.4 million, or 15 cents per share, a year ago. The Oakland, Calif.-based networking equipment company posted revenue of $28.1 million, compared with $23.3 million in 2003.

STMicro Q4 profit rises 30% (5:46 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- STMicroelectronics
STM
reported Wednesday after the bell that fourth-quarter earnings rose 30 percent to $187 million, or 20 cents a share, from $144 million, or 16 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $2.32 billion vs. $2.11 billion a year earlier. STMicro said it expects first-quarter revenue to decline between 4 percent and 12 percent from fourth-quarter results. The Geneva-based company said it will take an impairment charge of about $60 million in the first quarter as it eliminates certain product lines.

AvalonBay Q4 FFO climbs 8.5% (5:44 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- AvalonBay Communities Inc.
AVB
Wednesday after the bell reported fourth-quarter funds from operations rose to $64.8 million, or 88 cent a share, from $59.7 million, or 83 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter at the Alexandria, Va.-based real estate company increased to $170.4 million from $157.5 million a year ago. The company also reaffirmed its first-quarter FFO forecast of 91 cents to 95 cents a share. For 2005, the company forecast FFO of $3.51 to $3.71 a share.

Spartan Stores posts higher Q3 profit (5:42 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Spartan Stores
SPTN
after the bell Wednesday reported third-quarter earnings of $5.8 million, or 28 cents per share, up from a loss of $4.1 million, or 20 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $624.5 million, compared with $644 million in 2004. The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer said that it expects 2005 same-store sales to be flat to an increase of 1 percent, with net sales to rise one-half to 1 percent. (Corrects to show loss of $4.1 million in 2004)

Burlington Resources net income up 3% (5:42 PM ET) DALLAS (MarketWatch) - Burlington Resources late Wednesday said its fourth-quarter net income rose amid strength in oil and gas prices. The oil and gas producer
BR
said it earned $400 million, or $1.02 a share, including a previously announced charge of $90 million, or 15 cents a share. That compares with earnings of $387 million, or 98 cents share, posted in the year-ago period. Shares in Burlington Resources closed at $44.60, up 83 cents, ahead of the announcement.

NMS Communications swings to Q4 profit (5:28 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- NMS Communications Corp.
NMSS
after the bell Wednesday reported that it swung to a fourth-quarter profit of $1.3 million, or 3 cents a share, from a loss of $1.8 million, or 5 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter at the Framingham, Mass.-based company increased to $26.2 milloin from $23.5 million.

Identix Inc narrows Q2 loss (5:27 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Identix Inc.
IDNX
reported after the bell Wednesday that it narrowed its second-quarter loss to $2.8 million, or 3 cents a share, from $5.6 million, or 6 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $18.6 million vs. $12.1 million a year earlier. The Minnetonka, Minn.-based biometric technology company expects third-quarter earnings to be between 2 cents and 4 cents a share on revenue of $19 million to $21 million. Fourth-quarter earnings are expected to be in a range of a penny to 3 cents a share on revenue of $20.5 million and $23 million.

Applied Micro Circuits posts wider Q3 loss (5:23 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Applied Micro Circuits
AMCC
after the bell Wednesday reported a third-quarter loss of $82 million, or 27 cents per share, wider than its loss of $26.4 million, or 9 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $61 million, compared with $38.2 million in 2003. Analysts forecast revenue of $61 million for the San Diego-based chipmaker. (Corrected to reflect year-ago loss of $26.4 million)

Talx Corp. Q3 profit soars 92% (5:21 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Talx Corp.
TALX
Wednesday after the bell reported third-quarter earnings rose to $5 million, or 34 cents a share, from $2.6 million, or 18 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter at the St. Louis, Mo.-based payroll services firm increased to $39.8 million from $29.4 million last year. Analysts expected the company to post earnings of 29 cents a share on revenue of $38 million, according to Thomson First Call.

Micromuse posts higher Q1 profit, issues Q2 outlook (5:20 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Micromuse
MUSE
after the bell Wednesday reported first-quarter earnings of $2.6 million, or 3 cents per share, up from $1.4 million, or 2 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $38.9 million, compared with $37.2 million in 2003. The San Francisco-based software company forecast second-quarter earnings of 1 cent to 2 cents per share, on revenue of $37.5 million to $38.5 million.

Dentsply Inc Q4 profit rises 36% (5:19 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Dentsply Inc.
XRAY
reported after the bell Wednesday that its fourth-quarter earnings rose 36 percent to $68.6 million, or 83 cents a share, from $50.4 million, or 62 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the York, Pa.-based manufacturer of dental products was $465.5 million vs. $429.1 million a year earlier.

PerkinElmer Inc. Q4 profit up 36% (5:15 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- PerkinElmer Inc.
PKI
Wednesday after the bell reported a fourth-quarter profit of $37.9 million, or 29 cents a share, up 36 percent from $27.9 million, or 22 cents a year ago. Income from continuing operations, excluding intangibles amortization, was 33 cents a share. Sales were $478.6 million, up from $431.9 million last year, said the Wellesley, Mass.-based maker of scientific instruments. It forecast first-quarter earnings from continuing operations of 13 cents to 14 cents a share and earnings from continuing operations, excluding intangibles amortization, of 17 cents to 18 cents a share. It reaffirmed its 2005 net earnings view and forecast earnings,excluding intangibles amortization, of $1.05 to $1.10 a share.

Concur Technologies Q1 profit falls 14.8% (5:12 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Concur Technologies Inc.
CNQR
Wednesday after the bell reported that first-quarter earnings fell almost 15 percent to $509,000, or 1 cents a share, from $598 million, or 2 cents a share, a year ago. Analysts expected the Redmond, Wash.-based business services firm to post earnings of a penny a share on revenue of $15 million. The company also issued a second-quarter earnings forecast of 2 cents a share on revenue of $16.5 million. For 2005, the company forecast earnings of 13 cents a share on revenue of $72 million or greater.

Covance Q4 earns up 34% (5:06 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Covance Inc.
CVD
after the bell Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $27.3 million, or 42 cents per share, up 34 percent from $20.5 million, or 32 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $282.4 million, compared with $249 million in 2003. The Princeton, N.J.-based drug development company forecast 2005 earnings of $1.81 to $1.86 per share.

Photon Dynamics shares fall 11.7% (5:03 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Photon Dynamics Inc.
PHTN
shares fell as low as 11.7 percent after the bell Wednesday after the company reported a decrease in third-quarter earnings and forecasted a loss for the second quarter. Share were trading down $2.70 to $20.50. The San Jose, Calif.-based company said first-quarter earnings were $234,000, or a penny a share, compared with $956,000, or 6 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $36.4 million vs. $24.5 million. The company expects its second-quarter loss to be between 55 cents and 63 cents a share on revenue in the range of $21 million to $24 million.

Three-Five Systems to consolidate ops; CFO to resign (4:58 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Three-Five Systems
TFS
said after the bell Wednesday that it plans to consolidate its U.S. manufacturing and corporate operations in a move to cut costs and excess capacity. The electronics manufacturing services company said Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Buchanan will resign, as the company plans to move its headquarters from Tempe, Ariz. to Redmond, Wash. It will name James Jurgens as interim CFO on Feb. 1. It also said it's looking into the possible sale of its factory in Manila.

Power Integrations Q4 profit falls 14% (4:55 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (Marketwatch) -- Power Integrations Inc.
POWI
after the bell Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings fell 14 percent to $4.5 million, or 14 cents a share, from $5.3 million, or 16 cents a share, last year. Revenue for the quarter rose to $33.6 million from $32.3 million a year ago. Analysts expected the San Jose, Calif.-based integrated circuit provider to post earnings of 12 cents a share on revenue of $31 million. The company also forecast first-quarter revenue to fall 2 to 8 percent and earnings to be 10 cents to 13 cents a share.

Websense Q4 profit rises 81% (4:52 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Websense Inc.
WBSN
after the bell Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $8.1 million, or 33 cents per share, up 81 percent from $4.5 million, or 19 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $31.7 million, compared with $22.7 million in 2003. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast fourth-quarter earnings of 31 cents per share, on revenue of $31 million. The San Diego-based Web tracking company said that it expects to report first-quarter earnings of 33 cents per share.

Sierra Wireless Q4 profit triples (4:49 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Sierra Wireless Inc.
SWIR
after the bell Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings tripled to $7.3 million, or 28 cents a share, from $1.9 million, or 8 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter increased to $58.8 million from $34.6 million a year ago. Analysts expected the Vancouver, British Columbia-based company to reported earnings of 29 cents a share on revenue of $63 million, according to Thomson First Call. The company also posted a first-quarter loss forecast of 35 cents to 38 cents a share on revenue of $18 million to $20 million.

Integrated Device cuts 240 positions; Q3 earns 3c vs 2c (4:49 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Integrated Device Technology
IDTI
reported after the bell Wednesday that it is cutting 240 positions in North America as part of a restructuring program. The company expects its restructuring program to eventually save between $5 million and $6 million a quarter. The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company said its one-time consolidation and restructuring cost of $17 million will be implemented over the next 12 months. The company also reported third-quarter earnings of $3.3 million, or 3 cents a share, compared with $2.3 million, or 2 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $95.7 million vs. $87.1 million. Pro forma earnings for the quarter were $6.3 million, or 6 cents a share.

Swift Transport posts strong Q4 results (4:47 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Swift Transportation
SWFT
reported Wednesday after the bell fourth-quarter net per-share earnings of $36.8 million, or 50 cents, up from $26.7 million, or 31 cents, a year ago. The results include a $1 million and $1.4 million non-cash pre-tax benefit from the drop in market value of interest rate derivatives for the fourth quarters of 2004 and 2003, respectively. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had expected the Phoenix, Ariz.-based trucking company to earn 42 cents a share. Revenue for the three months ended Dec. 31 totaled $786 million, up 23 percent from $638 million a year ago.

Broadvision narrows Q4 loss (4:41 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Broadvision Inc.
BVSN
after the bell Wednesday reported a fourth-quarter loss of $386,000, or 1 cent per share, narrower than $19 million, or 57 cents per share, a year ago. The Redwood City, Calif.-based Web applications company posted revenue of $19.8 million, compared with $17.2 million in 2003. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast a fourth-quarter loss of 2 cents per share, on revenue of $19 million.

Biosite Inc Q4 profit more than doubles (4:38 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Biosite Inc.
BSTE
Wednesday after the bell reported that fourth-quarter earnings rose more than doubled to $12.1 million, or 68 cents a share, from $5.2 million, or 32 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter at the San Diego-based biotechnology firm increased to $66.2 million from $46 million, a year ago. Analysts expected earnings of 59 cents a share on revenue of $64 million, according to Thomson First Call.

Genesis Microchip swings to Q3 loss (4:37 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Genesis Microchip
GNSS
after the bell Wednesday reported a fiscal third-quarter loss of $1 million, or 3 cents a share. Last year, the San Jose, Calif.-based company posted a profit of $179,000, or a penny a share. On a pro forma basis, Genesis Micro earned $3.2 million, or 9 cents a share. It forecast fiscal fourth-quarter revenue of $47 million to $52 million and net earnings of $22 million to $24 million.

Conexant Systems posts $120.7 million Q1 loss (4:36 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Chipmaker Conexant Systems
CNXT
on Wednesday reported a fiscal first-quarter loss of $120.7 million, or 26 cents a share, on revenue of $140.6 million. Excluding one-time charges, Conexant would have lost $95.3 million, or 20 cents a share. Based on those results, the company missed the estimates of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call, who forecasted a loss of 19 cents a share, but narrowly beat the consensus $140 million revenue estimate.

VeriSign tops earnings and revenue in Q4 (4:35 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- VeriSign
VRSN
said late Wednesday that it earned $115 million, or 43 cents per share, in the fourth quarter. This compares to a loss of $32 million, or 13 cents per share, in the same period a year ago. On a non-GAAP basis, VeriSign earned 21 cents per share. On this basis, analysts expected VeriSign to earn 20 cents. Quarterly sales grew to $356 million, exceeding analysts' expectations of $351 million. VeriSign said that its Jamba and Jamster services generated $94 million in revenue. Some analysts expected these businesses to generate more than $100 million in sales. Shares of VeriSign tumbled 9 percent to $26.86 in after-hours action.

JDS Uniphase posts second-quarter loss (4:32 PM ET) WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) -- JDS Uniphase Corp. on Wednesday posted a second-quarter loss, as expected, because of higher legal expenses and reduced demand from a major customer. In the quarter ended Dec. 31, the company said it lost $43.5 million, or 3 cents a share, down from a loss of $58.5 million, or 4 cents, a year earlier. Revenue climbed 18 percent to $180.5 million from the year-ago period, but it fell from $194.5 million in the prior quarter. San Jose, Calif.-based JDS
JDSU
warned last week that it would lose more money than it initially predicted. Excluding onetime gains and losses, JDS said it lost $31.1 million, or 2 cents a share. That matched the revised forecast of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call. Looking ahead, JDS predicted it would lose 2 cents a share from core operations in the third quarter, with revenue of $155 million to $165 million.

Steak n Shake Q1 earns up 12% (4:32 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- The Steak n Shake Co.
SNS
after the bell Wednesday reported first-quarter earnings of $5.1 million, or 18 cents per share, up from $4.6 million, or 17 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $125.5 million, compared with $114.5 million in 2004. The Indianapolis-based restaurant chain forecast 2005 earnings of $1.08 to $1.11 per share, with same-store growth of 2 to 3 percent.

Interchange Financial Q4 profit up 21% (4:30 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Interchange Financial Services Corp.
IFCJ
Wednesday after the bell reported fourth-quarter earnings rose 20.9 percent to $5.2 million, or 40 cents a share, from $4.3 million, or 33 cents a share, a year ago. Net interest income for the quarter rose to $13.5 million from $12.3 million last year. Analysts expected the Saddle Brook, N.J.-based firm to report earnings of 36 cents a share.

Stats ChipPac swings to Q4 loss (4:27 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Stats ChipPac Ltd.
STTS
reported Wednesday after the bell that it swung to a fourth-quarter loss of $469 million, or $2.41 a share. Last year, the semiconductor testing company reported earnings of $7.8 million, or 7 cents a share. Excluding special items, a goodwill impairment charge, and certain adjustments, the Singapore-based company had an income of $6.2 million or 3 cents a share. Revenue for the quarter was $265.8 million vs. $119.6 million. The company expects a first-quarter loss in a range of 9 cents to 13 cents a share with revenue 12 percent lower than the second quarter. Pro forma earnings for the first quarter are expected to be between a penny and five cents a share.

Hartford Q4 net up 37%; raises 2005 forecast (4:24 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Hartford Financial
HIG
one of the largest U.S. insurers, said late Wednesday that fourth quarter net income jumped 37 percent to a record $620 million, or $2.08 per share. Operating income, which excludes one-time items such as investment gains and losses, was $596 million, or $2 per share. Analysts in a Thomson First Call survey were expecting Hartford to make $1.77 a share in the fourth-quarter. Hartford said it now sees 2005 earnings coming in between $7.25 and $7.55 per share, up from a previous range of $7.15 to $7.45 a share.

Stryker Q4 profit climbs 21% (4:24 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Stryker Corp.
SYK
Wednesday after the bell reported first-quarter earnings rose 21 percent to $162.7 million, or 40 cents a share, from $134.1 million, or 33 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue at the Kalamazoo, Mich.-based medical devices company increased to $1.16 billion from $1 billion last year. Analysts expected earnings of 40 cents a share on revenue of $1.16 billion, according to Thomson First Call.

Bone Care International swings to Q2 profit (4:22 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Bone Care International
BCII
after the bell Wednesday reported second-quarter earnings of $1.8 million, or 9 cents a share. Last year, it posted a loss of $478,025, or 3 cents a share. The Middleton, Wis. specialty pharmaceuticals maker said increased its 2005 revenue forecast to $77 million to $80 million from $75 million to $79 million.

RealNetworks Q4 loss narrows as sales rise 34% (4:20 PM ET) LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- RealNetworks Inc.
RNWK
late Wednesday said its fourth-quarter net loss narrowed to $1 million, or 1 cent a share, from a year-ago loss of $5.3 million, or 3 cents per share. Excluding litigation antitrust litigation expenses, the company would have earned $2 million, or 1 cent per share. Sales for the period rose 34 percent to $72.5 million from $54.1 million. Wall Street analysts, on average, had expected a loss of 1 cent per share on sales of $68.8 million, according to a Thomson First Call survey.

Cirrus Logic revenue falls 20 percent in Q3 (4:15 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Cirrus Logic Inc. saw revenue fall 20 percent in its third fiscal quarter, while earnings beat Wall Street's targets. The chipmaker reported revenue of $44 million and earnings of $2.5 million, or 3 cents per share, compared to revenue of $55.3 million and earnings of $39.4 million, or 46 cents per share, for the same period last year. Analysts were expecting a loss of 5 cents per share on revenue of $46.4 million, according to Thomson First Call.

Redback halves loss; SmartEdge sales improve (4:14 PM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - Redback Networks Inc.
RBAK
said Wednesday that it fourth-quarter loss fell to $12 million, or 23 cents a share, from $24.9 million, or 14 cents, a year ago. Sales for the maker of equipment used in high-speed Internet networks rose 13 percent to $32 million, mostly owing to improved demand for its SmartEdge product. Excluding one-time items, San Jose, Calif.-based Redback lost 8 cents a share. Redback was expected to lose 10 cents on sales of $28 million, according to the consensus of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call.

Varian Medical Q1 profit jumps 37% (4:12 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Varian Medical Systems
VAR
Wednesday after the bell reported first-quarter earnings rose 37.5 percent $40.3 million, or 29 cents a share, from $29.3 million, or 21 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter at the Palo-Alto, Calif.-based company rose to $299 million from $267 million. Analysts expected earnings of 25 cents a share on revenue of $301 million, according to Thomson First Call. The company also said it expects 2005 revenue to increase 13 to 14 percent.

LSI revenue falls in Q4; adjusted earnings beat target (4:10 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- LSI Logic Corp. saw revenue fall 9 percent in the fourth quarter compared to last year. The chipmaker
LSI
reported revenue of $419.7 million and a loss of $197.4 million, or 51 cents per share, compared to revenue of $462.8 million and earnings of $7.6 million, or 2 cents per share, for the same period last year. The net loss figure includes a $178 million non-cash charge related to the company's Gresham manufacturing facility. Excluding special items, the company said earnings would have been $15 million, or 4 cents per share. Analysts were expecting earnings of 1 cent per share on revenue of $418.6 million, according to Thomson First Call.

Wm. Wrigley Jr posts higher Q4 profit, ups div 19% (2:07 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.
WWY
on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $117 million, or 52 cents per share, up from $110 million, or 49 cents per share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter was $961.9 million, compared with $821.2 million in 2003. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast earnings of 55 cents per share, on revenue of $963 million. The Chicago-based gum company raised its dividend 19 percent to 28 cents.

Univest Corp Q4 profit up 2% (1:49 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Univest Corporation of Pennsylvania
UVSP
on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $6.7 million, or 76 cents a share, vs. $6.5 million, or 75 cents a share, in the same period last year. The Souderton, Pa.-based bank holding company said net interest income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose to $14.1 million from $14 million last year.

Energen posts higher Q4 profit, issues Q1, 2005 outlook (1:23 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Energen Corp.
EGN
on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $31.3 million, or 85 cents per share, up from $20.8 million, or 57 cents per share, a year ago. Operating revenue for the quarter was $231.3 million, compared with $202.4 million in 2003. The Birmingham, Ala.-based energy holding company forecast first-quarter earnings of $1.85 to $1.90 per share, and $4.25 to $4.45 per share for 2005.

New Hampshire Thrift Q4 profit declines 4% (1:23 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares Inc.
NHTB
on Wednesday reported that fourth-quarter earnings declined 4.4 percent to $1.2 million, or 59 cents a share, vs. $1.3 million, or 65 cents a share, in the same quarter last year. The Newport, N.H.-based bank holding company said net interest income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose to $4.9 million from $4.4 million.

CSS Industries reports Q4 flat sales as profit falls (1:12 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- CSS Industries
CSS
on Wednesday said that third-quarter profit slipped to $24 million, or $1.91 a share, from $27.4 million, or $2.18 a share, last year. The Philadelphia-based consumer products company said that revenue totaled $247.2 million, about flat with $247.4 million last year.

Harman Int'l posts higher Q2 profit (1:12 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Harman International
HAR
on Wednesday reported second-quarter earnings of $65.4 million, or 92 cents a share, up from $41.5 million, or 60 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue for the Washington, D.C.-based home-electronics maker was $788.6 million, compared with $691.6 million in 2003.

Harleysville Savings Q1 profit rises 4% (12:57 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Harleysville Savings Financial Corp.
HARL
on Wednesday reported first-quarter earnings of $1.3 million, or 54 cents a share, vs. $1.2 million, or 52 cents a share, in the same period last year. The Harleysville, Pa.-based bank holding company said net interest income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 increased 12 percent to $3.2 million from $2.9 million. The company also declared a 5-for-3 stock split that will pay on Feb. 23 to shareholders as of Feb. 9. Additionally, the company said its board of directors has increased the quarterly cash dividend by 3 cents to 25 cents a share, payable on Feb. 23 to shareholders as of Feb. 9. The dividend will be payable based on the number of shares owned prior to the split, the company said.

Pamrapo Bancorp Q4 profit declines 12.5% (12:45 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Pamrapo Bancorp Inc.
PBCI
on Wednesday reported that fourth-quarter earnings declined 12.5 percent to $1.9 million, or 39 cents a share, vs. $2.2 million, or 45 cents a share, in the same period last year. Net interest income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 was $6.2 million, unchanged from a year ago.

Elmira Savings Q4 profit rises 5% (12:31 PM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- The Elmira Savings Bank FSB
ESBK
on Wednesday reported that fourth-quarter earnings rose 4.9 percent to $670,00, or 60 cents a share, vs. $639,000, or 56 cents a share, in the same period last year. The Elmira, N.Y.-based bank said that net interest income was $2.6 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, unchanged from a year ago.

Transaction Systems gets lift from Q1 report, outlook (12:24 PM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Shares of Transaction Systems Architects Inc.
TSAI
rose more than 17 percent to $21.07 in afternoon action. After Tuesday's closing bell, the Omaha, Neb., maker of electronic payments software reported better than expected first-quarter earnings and lifted the top end of its earnings outlook for the rest of the year. The company earned $12.9 million, or 34 cents per share, in the December period, up from its year-ago equivalent profit of $10 million, or 27 cents per share. Revenue increased 8.9 percent in the latest three months to $80.6 million from $74 million in the same period a year earlier. The company said it added ten customers in the quarter. Looking ahead, Transactions Systems lifted its earnings forecast for fiscal 2005 to earnings of 86 cents to $1 per share from its prior projection for a profit of 79 to 94 cents per share.

Accor Q4 comp. sales up 4.6%, to meet FY forecast (12:09 PM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Accor(FR:012040), the French hotels group and owner of the Red Roof Inn, said Wednesday after the Paris close that 2004 revenue rose 4.3 percent to 7.12 billion euros, or up 4.6 percent on a comparable basis. It said comparable sales climbed 5.1 percent in the fourth quarter. Accor said it'll meet its pre-tax profit objective for 2004 of profits between 570 million euros and 590 million euros.

Altria revenue up but profits fall (11:26 AM ET) CHICAGO (MarketWatch) -- Food and tobacco giant Altria Group posted a rise of nearly 9 percent in fourth-quarter revenue, but restructuring costs at its Kraft
KFT
subsidiary helped lower its bottom line. Altria
MO
said it earned $1.95 billion, or 94 cents per share. That is down from $2.1 billion, or $1.02, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue came in $22.4 billion, up 8.8 percent. Shares of Altria slipped 34 cents to $61.95.

Willow Grove Bancorp Q2 profit jumps 33% (10:59 AM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Willow Grove Bancorp Inc.
WGBC
on Wednesday reported second-quarter earnings of $2 million, or 21 cents a share, vs. $1.5 million, or 15 cents a share, in the same period last year. The Maple Glen, Pa.-based bank holding company said net interest income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose to $7.9 million from $6.4 million.

Ryan's Restaurant Group Q4 profit, sales decline (10:56 AM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Ryan's Restaurant Group
RYAN
on Wednesday said that its fourth-quarter profit fell to $9.2 million, or 22 cents a share, down from $12.4 million, or 28 cents a share. Revenue fell to $193.5 million from $197.6 million last year. The Greer, S.C.-based restaurant company said that sales comparisons in the first quarter "will continue to be difficult" but will improve in following quarters.

First Niagara Financial hikes quarterly div 13% to 9c (10:29 AM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- First Niagara Financial Group
FNFG
on Wednesday raised its quarterly dividend 13 percent to 9 cents. The higher dividend will be paid on Feb. 22 for shareholders as of Feb. 8, the Lockport, N.Y.-based bank said.

Hologic gains on strong Q1 report, $74M order backlog (10:26 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Shares of Hologic Inc.
HOLX
jumped almost 13 percent to $33.32 after the Bedford, Mass., provider of diagnostic imaging technology for healthcare applications posted earnings of $4.6 million, or 21 cents per share, in its fiscal first quarter ended Dec. 25, up from its year-ago equivalent profit of $1 million, or 5 cents per share. Revenue surged 33 percent in the latest three months to $66.2 million from $49.9 million in the same period a year earlier. The company attributed the higher earnings to increased demand for its Selenia digital mammography systems, analog mammaography systems and Multicare breast biopsy tables. Hologic said it had a product backlog worth more than $74 million as of Dec. 25 including roughly 104 of its Selenia systems.

PLX Tech rallies in wake of in-line Q4 report (10:13 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Shares of PLX Technology Inc.
PLXT
gained more than 24 percent to $9.82 in Wednesday morning trades. After Tuesday's closing bell, the Sunnyvale, Calif., chip maker reported a pro forma loss of $200,000, or a penny per share, for the fourth quarter, down from its year-ago equivalent profit of $600,000, or 3 cents per share, and in line with the average estimate of four analysts polled by Thomson First Call. Revenue jumped 26 percent in the latest three months to $13.3 million from $10.6 million in the same period a year earlier. Including acquisition-related costs, PLX lost $700,000, or 3 cents per share, in the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, the company forecast revenue of between $13.5 million and $14.5 million for the first quarter. Wall Street's current consensus estimate is for revenue of $14.6 million in the March period.

FNB Corp. posts higher Q4 earns (10:00 AM ET) SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- FNB Corp.
FNBN
on Wednesday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $2.2 million, or 39 cents per share, up from $1.9 million, or 33 cents per share, a year ago. Net interest income for the North Carolina-based bank was $7.6 million, compared with $6.6 million in 2003.

Hugo Boss '04 earns up 7%, sees trend continuing in '05 (9:43 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- German retailer Hugo Boss(DE:524553)said net income for 2004 rose 7 percent to 88.2 million euros and sales rose 11 percent to 1.17 billion euros. "We have outperformed the global fashion market in all key business areas in fiscal 2004. We are confident that this positive trend will continue in the current fiscal year," it said.

McCormick Q4 profit up, but less than estimates (9:16 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch)-- McCormick & Company Inc.
MKC
said Wednesday that fourth-quarter earnings per share from continuing operations were 62 cents vs. 61 cents in the same period a year ago. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 66 cents per share in the period. Fourth-quarter profit from continuing operations came in at $87.4 million vs. $87.1 in the same period a year ago. The company said sales rose 7 percent in the periond to $744 million. At the close of trading Tuesday McCormick shares were off 49 cents at $38.35.

Adanced Medical Optics gives 2004 preliminary results (9:11 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.
AVO
said it sees 2004 earnings of $1.24 per share on revenue of $740 million, up 23 percent from the year-ago period. The company had previously indicated that it expected 2004 net revenue to be between $715 million and $725 million and 2004 adjusted diluted earnings per share to be between $1.20 and $1.25, excluding special charges.

IFF's Q4 earnings rise, sales fall (9:04 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
IFF
Wednesday said fourth-quarter earnings grew to $40.9 million, or 43 cents a share, from $38.1 million, or 40 cents a share, last year. Excluding items in both year's quarters, earnings would have been 46 cents a share against 48 cents a share in the prior-year period. Sales for the quarter fell to $468.2 million from $471.8 million last year. The Thomson First Call-derived estimates were for earnings of 43 cents on sales of $489.8 million. IFF's stock closed down 8 cents to $40.84 Tuesday.

Helmerich & Payne Q1 net rises to $39.3M (9:02 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Helmerich & Payne
HP
reported first-quarter earnings of $39.3 million, or 77 cents per share, up from its year-ago profit of $6.6 million, or 13 cents per share. The latest results include a gains of $16.6 million, or 31 cents per share, and $5.5 million, or 11 cents per share, from asset sales. Revenue rose to $174.7 million in the latest three months from $134.3 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 24 cents per share in the December period. Shares of the Tulsa, Okla., oil and gas drilling services provider closed Tuesday at $34.59, down 24 cents.

Kennametal posts in-line Q2; buys Extrude for $137M (9:01 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Kennametal Inc.
KMT
posted Wednesday fiscal second quarter net income of $28 million, or 74 cents a share compared with $11 million, or 30 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. The engineering and tool maker said sales rose 21 percent to $556.2 million. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of 74 cents a share on revenue of $550.1 million. Looking ahead, the Latrobe, Pa. company said it expects third quarter earnings in the range of 80 cents to 85 cents a share on sales growth of around 8 to 10 percent over year-ago levels. The First Call average estimate is for earnings of 87 cents a share. In a separate statement, the company announced it was acquiring Extrude Hone Corp for around $137 million in cash. Kennametal said the deal is expected to give a modest boost to earnings and margins beginning in the June quarter of 2005. Shares of Kennametal rose 0.7 percent, to $48.93 in trading Tuesday.

Gannett Q4 earns rise, match expectations (8:59 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Gannett Co.
GCI
reported fourth-quarter earnings of $378.1 million, or $1.47 a share, up from $358 million, or $1.32 a share in the same period a year ago, and in line with the average analyst estimate compiled by Thomson First Call. Revenue rose 7.7 percent to $1.96 billion from last year's $1.82 billion, amid a 7.5 percent increase in revenue from newspaper advertising, 2.4 percent growth in newspaper circulation revenue and a 19 percent rise in broadcasting revenue. The newspaper publisher's stock closed Tuesday down 26 cents at $80.19.

ConocoPhillips beats analyst Q4 earnings estimate (8:57 AM ET) DALLAS (MarketWatch) -- ConocoPhillips
COP
reported fourth-quarter net income of $2.4 billion, or $3.44 a share, compared with $1 billion, or $1.48 a share a year ago, as profit from all of its businesses increased. Income from continuing operations in the quarter totaled $2.5 billion, or $3.51 a share, compared with $985 million, or $1.43 a share, in earned in the fourth quarter of 2003. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected ConocoPhillips to earn $3.07 a share, on average.

Norfolk Southern Q4 sales rises 19%; EPS at 65c (8:56 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Norfolk Southern Corp. reported fourth-quarter net income Wednesday of $264 million or 65 cents per share, compared with $52 million or 13 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2003. The consensus of analyst polled by Thomson First Call was for earnings of 63 cents per share. The railroad said revenue jumped more than 16 percent to $1.95 billion from $1.68 billion a year ago on higher shipment sales of coal and merchandise. The stock gained $1.40 to $34.71 Tuesday.

Hartmarx Q4 earns rise, sales stay almost flat (8:46 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Hartmarx Corp.
HMX
reported fourth-quarter earnings that rose to $5.8 million, or 16 cents per diluted share, from $3.1 million, or 9 cents per diluted share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue for the period rose to $151.64 million from $151.48 million a year ago. Looking forward, the company said it sees 2005 revenues increasing in the low to mid-single digits and expects earnings to rise by 30 percent to 40 percent.

Trimble Q4 profits handily top Street estimates (8:44 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Trimble
TRMB
posted Wednesday fourth quarter net income of $16.4 million, or 29 cents a share compared with $15.1 million, or 28 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. The engineering group said sales surged around 20 percent, to $162.7 million. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of 17 cents a share, on revenue of $152.4 million. Looking ahead, the Sunnyvale, Ca. company said it expects first quarter earnings in the range of 22 cents to 24 cents a share on revenue between $178 and $182 million. The First Call average estimate is for earnings of 24 cents a share on revenue of $175.1 million. Trimble shares rose 4.3 percent, to $34.69 in trading Tuesday.

Midwest Air's Q4 loss widens to $19.4M (8:42 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Midwest Air Group Inc.
MEH
reported a fourth-quarter loss of $19.4 million, or $1.11 per share, wider than its year-ago loss of $1.6 million, or 10 cents per share. Revenue rose 5.7 percent in the latest three months to $103.6 million from $98.1 million in the same period a year earlier. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a loss of 92 cents per share in the quarter on $103.6 million. The company said fuel costs rose 53 percent in the period, offsetting a 4.3 percent increase in passenger volume and a 3.6 percent increase in revenue yield. Shares closed Tuesday at $2.67, down 3 percent.

AVX Q4 net misses estimates by 2c; revenues beat (8:35 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- AVX Corp.
AVX
posted Wednesday net income of $7.6 million, or 4 cents a share compared with a loss of $8.5 million, or 5 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. The electronic components maker said edged up 1.8 percent, to $302.2 million. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of 6 cents a share on revenue of $294.2 million. Shares of AVX Corp fell 0.6 percent, to $11.65 in trading Tuesday.

Diebold Q4 net misses Street view by 2c (8:26 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Diebold Inc.
DBD
posted Wednesday fourth quarter net income of $62.8 million, or 87 cents a share, compared with $59.2 million, or 81 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. The maker of automated self-service transaction systems said sales rose 10.6 percent to $717.2 million. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of 89 cents a share on revenue of $710.9 million. Looking ahead, the North Canton, Ohio company said it expects first quarter earnings in the range of 35 cents to 40 cents a share, including a 7 cent per share restructuring charge related to the re-alignment of its operations in Western Europe. Revenue for the quarter is forecast to rise by 9 to 11 percent on a fixed exhange-rate basis. The First Call average estimate is for earnings of 45 cents a share. Diebold shares fell 0.4 percent, to $53.36 in trading Tuesday.

GlobalSantaFe swings to Q4 loss of $7.6M (8:25 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- GlobalSantaFe
GSF
reported a fourth-quarter loss of $7.6 million, or 3 cents per share, down from its year-ago profit of $24.5 million, or 10 cents per share. Excluding a restructuring charge, the Houston-based oil and gas drilling services provider earned $34.9 million, or 15 cents per share, in the quarter. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 19 cents per share in the December period. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $498.3 million from $480.8 million in the same period a year earlier. The company said it expects both its drilling management services business and its oil and gas business to have higher operating profits in 2005. The stock closed Tuesday at $35.04, up 6 cents.

Verizon to buy Cellular 2000 of St. Cloud, Minnesota (8:23 AM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Verizon Communications
VZ
on Wednesday said it's agreed to buy Cellular 2000 of St. Cloud, a wireless carrier that serves 42,000 customers in the St. Cloud area near Minneapolis, Minn. The small phone company owns licenses that cover 250,000 people. Terms were not disclosed. The purchase is expected to close in March, Verizon said.

St. Jude Medical Q4 income tops estimates (8:21 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - St. Jude Medical Inc.
STJ
reported fourth-quarter net income of $124.8 million, or 33 cents per share, compared with $92 million, or 25 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2003. The average analyst estimate from Thomson First Call was for earnings of 32 cents per share on revenue of $609 million. Sales increased in the quarter to $610 million. St. Jude said earnings in the first quarter of 2005 would be 33 cents to 35 cents per share. The stock of the medical devices company ended the regular trading session up 15 cents to $38 on Tuesday.

Piper Jaffray Q4 earns miss expectations (8:17 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Piper Jaffray Companies
PJC
reported fourth-quarter earnings of $11.8 million, or 61 cents a share, vs. a loss of $3.3 million, or 17 cents a share in the same period a year ago, but below the average analyst estimate compiled by Thomson First Call of 70 cents a share. Revenue fell 3.6 percent to $194.6 million from last year's $201.8 million due primarily to lower trading activity and equity institutional sales. The brokerage firm also said it would buy back up to $65 million. The stock closed Tuesday up a nickel at $42.88.

Ambac Financial Q4 rev, sales increase (8:16 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Ambac Financial Group Inc.
ABK
Wednesday said fourth-quarter net income increased to $188.8 million, or $1.69 a share, from $158.8 million, or $1.44 a share, a year ago. Revenue for the quarter improved to $363.2 million from $338.1 million last year. The Thomson First Call-derived estimates were for earnings of $1.61 a share on $299.2 million in revenue. Shares closed up 60 cents to $79.60 Tuesday.

Amerada Hess Q4 net handily beats Street view (8:14 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Amerada Hess Corp
AHC
posted Wednesday fourth quarter net income of $229 million, or $2.22 a share compared with $68 million, or 71 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. Revenues for the quarter climbed to $4.7 billion from $3.6 billion. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of $1.82 a share. The oil exploration company said its average worldwide crude oil selling price, including the effect of hedging, was was $27.15 per barrel, an increase of $1.81 per barrel from the fourth quarter of 2003. Shares of Amerada Hess rose 0.3 percent, to $84.47 in trading Tuesday.

General Dynamics Q4 higher; sees 11-13% growth in '05 (8:13 AM ET) NEW Y0RK (MarketWatch)-- General Dynamics Corp
GD
said Wednesday earnings rose to $336 million, or $1.66 per share, in the fourth quarter, from $279 million, or $1.40 per share the year-earlier quarter. Earnings per share from continuing operations rose to $1.63 from $1.38. The average forecast of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for earnings of $1.63. Revenues rose to $5.2 billion from $4.7 billion. The Falls Churh, Virginia-based defense contractor said it expects earnings to rise 11-13 percent in 2005. Shares of General Dynamics closed at $98.77 on Tuesday, down 0.23 percent.

AmeriGas Propane earnings edge up, miss estimates (8:11 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch)-- AmeriGas Propane Inc.
APU
said Wednesday that first-quarter earnings edged higher to $44.3 million, 77 cents per unit, vs.$43.1 million, 77 per unit in the same period a year ago. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 82 cents per unit in the December period. CEO Eugene Bissell said "warmer weather and continued high propane product costs" hit the company's bottom line. AmeriGas Propane closed 55 cents lower Tuesday at $28.80.

Affiliated Managers Q4 earns, rev. rise (8:07 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Affiliated Managers Group
AMG
reported fourth-quarter earnings of $23.3 million, or 58 cent a share, up from $17.3 million, or 44 cents a share in the same period a year ago. Cash earnings grew to $37.5 million, or $1.08 a share from last year's $28.5 million, or 86 cents a share. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had been expecting earnings of $1.07 a share, on average. Revenue increased 32 percent to $183.96 million from last year's $139.62 million, topping analyst forecasts of $169.76 million. The asset manager's stock closed Tuesday up 36 cents at $60.70.

LSI Industries Q2 earns up, raises dividend to 10c (8:06 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- LSI Industries
LYTS
said net income for the second quarter to Dec. 31 rose 19.6 percent to $4.8 million, or up 20 percent to 24 cents a share. Sales rose 16 percent to $74.3 million. It said it had approved raising the regular quarterly cash dividend rate to 10 cents a share with effect from the second quarter.

D&K Healthcare swings to Q2 loss on margins squeeze (8:06 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- D&K Healthcare Resources Inc.
DKHR
posted Wednesday a fiscal second quarter loss as fewer-than-anticipated product price increases hit gross margins in both the independent and regional pharmacies, and national accounts trade classes. The wholesale distributor of branded and generic drugs reported a quarterly loss of $739,000, or 5 cents a share compared with a profit of $177,000, or a penny a share in the year-ago quarter. Sales for the quarter however jumped nearly 65 percent, to $842.8 million compared with year-ago levels. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for a loss of 5 cents a share on revenue of around $735 million. Looking ahead, the St. Louis company said it expects to earn in the range of 15 to 25 cents a share in fiscal 2005 on revenue between $3.3 bilion to $3.4 billion. Shares of D&K Healthcare fell 1.5 percent, to $6.75 in trading Tuesday.

Nova Chemicals reports Q4 earns vs. year-ago loss (7:54 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Nova Chemicals Corp.
NCX
reported fourth-quarter earnings of $162 million, or $1.78 a share, vs. a loss of $15 million, or 18 cents a share in the same period a year ago. Revenue increased 47 percent to $1.53 billion from last year's $1.04 billion. Analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call had been expecting earnings of 77 cents a share and revenue of $1.46 billion, on average. The chemical company's stock closed Tuesday up $1.07 at $46.90.

SBC Communications Q4 net 23c vs. 27c; adj. eps 34c (7:52 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- SBC Communications
SBC
said Wednesday it earned $754 million, or 23 cents a share, on revenue of $10.3 billion for its fourth quarter versus $905 million, or 27 cents a share, on revenue of $9.98 billion a year earlier. Excluding one-time items, earnings in the quarter would have been 34 cents a share, the company said. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call had expected earnings of 33 cents a share, on average. SBC noted that Cingular wireless, the company's joint venture with BellSouth
BLS
said had 1.7 million net subscriber adds in the quarter, or 1.8 million on a pro forma basis, which includes full-quarter results from all properties acquired and excludes full-quarter results from operations that Cingular has divested or has agreed to divest. Looking ahead, SBC said it expects low single-digit percentage revenue growth and operating income margin in the 15 percent to 16 percent range.

New Jersey Resources adj Q1 net tops Street view by 1c (7:46 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- New Jersey Resources
NJR
the parent company of New Jersey Natural Gas, posted Wednesday first quarter net income of $30.2 million, or $1.06 per share compared with $24.4 million, or 87 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. Excluding costs related to the sale of some real estate and a one-off charge associated with an early retirement programm for officers, the utility would have earned $25.7 million, or 91 cents a share compared with $24.3 million, or 87 cents a share in the year-ago quarter. Operating revenues climbed to $854 million from $643 million a year ago. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of 90 cents a share. Looking ahead, the Wall, N.J. company said it expects to post adjusted 2005 earnings in the range of $2.65 to $2.75 per share. The First Call average estimate is for full-year earnings of $2.68 per share. Separately, the company said it plans to increase its share repurchase plan by 25 percent to 2.5 million shares. Shares of New Jersey Resources fell 0.3 percent, to $42.16 in trading Tuesday.

Rockwell Automation Q1 earns, sales climb (7:45 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Rockwell Automation, Inc
ROK
reported first-quarter earnings that rose to $133.4 million, or 71 cents per share, from $62.2 million, or 32 cents per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Earnings from continuing operations came in at $122.1 million, or 65 cents per share, in line with the forecast of analysts polled by Thomson First Call. Revenue for the quarter jumped 20 percent to $1.18 billion. Looking forward, the company said it sees 2005 organic revenue growth of roughly 10 percent, excluding currency translation. Rockwell sees 2005 diluted earnings from continuing operations in the range of $2.55 to $2.65 per share. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast 2005 earnings of $2.58 per share.

FirstService boosts Q3 profit to $4.9M vs. $2M (7:44 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- FirstService Corp.
FSRV
reported third-quarter earnings of $4.9 million, or 16 cents per share, up from its year-ago profit of $2 million, or 7 cents per share. On a continuing operations basis, the company reported adjusted earnings of 27 cents per share for the quarter, up from nine cents per share last year. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 15 cents per share in the December period. Revenue rose in the latest three months to $221.9 million from $148.7 million in the same period a year earlier. Looking ahead, the Toronto-based company sees adjusted earnings of 83 to 88 cents per share for the fiscal year ending March 31, and a profit of 97 cents to $1.05 per share for fiscal 2006. The stock closed Tuesday at $17.34, down 11 cents.

Kerr-McGee Q4 profit more than doubles, tops forecasts (7:44 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Kerr-McGee
KMG
the Oklahoma City-based energy company, said fourth-quarter net profit climbed to $133.8 million, or 86 cents a share, from $50.3 million, or 50 cents a share, as higher oil and gas sales volumes and prices offset higher operating and exploration costs. Its adjusted EPS of $1.07 was ahead of broker forecasts of 98 cents, according to Thomson First Call. It sees volumes rising 13 percent to 18 percent in 2005.

Rockwell Collins Q1 earns rise, top expectations (7:41 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Rockwell Collins
COL
reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $90 million, or 50 cents a share, up from $68 million, or 38 cents a share in the same period a year ago and above the average analyst estimate compiled by Thomson First Call of 45 cents a share, amid strength in its commercial and government systems business units and higher margin after-market sales. Revenue rose 21 percent to $763 million from last year's $628 million, exceeding analyst forecasts of $720.3 million. The stock closed Tuesday down 70 cents at $40.68.

American Italian Pasta Q1 profits fall, top consensus (7:36 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- American Italian Pasta
PLB
said fiscal first-quarter profits declined to $2.1 million, or 11 cents a share, from $8.1 million, or 44 cents a share, a decline the company said was "generally in line" with its expectations and ahead of a 10 cent EPS forecast from brokers polled by Thomson First Call. Revenue eased 2.4 percent to $99.1 million. Looking ahead, it said the media and a number of surveys have recently indicated that the consumer focus on low carbohydrate awareness and diets is beginning to decrease. It reiterated it sees fiscal year EPS in a 80 cent to $1 range on revenue between $370 million and $400 million.

Black & Decker Q4 tops estimates on 29% sales rise (7:33 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - Black & Decker Corp.
BDK
reported Wednesday fourth-quarter net income of $135.3 million, $1.62 per share, compared with $99.5 million, or $1.27 in the year-ago period. The average analyst estimate from Thomson First Call had been for earnings of $1.57 for the Towson, Md.-based tool and machine maker. Sales increased 29 percent to $1.73 billion. The stock rose Tuesday 79 cents to $83.36.

Sirius Satellite Q4 loss widens, revenue falls short (7:32 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Sirius Satellite Radio
SIRI
reported fourth-quarter loss of $261.9 million, or 21 cents a share, vs. a loss of $147.8 million, or 14 cents a share in the year-earlier period and wider than the average analyst loss estimate compiled by Thomson First Call of 16 cents a share, amid a 45 percent rise in sales and marketing costs a 197 percent increase in customer service and billing expenses. Revenue was $25.2 million, up 409 percent over last year's $5 million, due primarily to a 338 percent increase in its subscriber base, but fell short of analyst revenue forecasts of $28.4 million. Looking ahead, the company expects 2005 revenue of $210 million, vs. analyst projections of $213 million, and an adjusted loss of $480 million. Sirius also raised its year-end 2005 subscriber additions target to over 2.5 million from 2.3 million. The stock closed Tuesday up 15 cents at $6.24.

Air Products Q1 tops Street view; lifts 2005 outlook (7:32 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Air Products
APD
raised its 2005 outlook Wednesday after reporting strong fiscal first quarter results. The supplier of specialty gases posted net income of $167 million, or 72 cents a share compared with $132 million, or 58 cents per share in the same quarter a year ago. Sales climbed 18 percent to $1.99 billion. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of 68 cents a share on sales of $1.89 billion. Looking ahead, the Lehigh Valley, Pa. company said it is now expecting to earn in the range of 73 cents to 78 cents a share in the second quarter. For 2005, it said its better-than-expected first quarter performance means it is now forecasting earnings between $2.95 and $3.15 a share. The First Call average estimate is for second quarter earnings of 74 cents a share and 2005 earnings of $3.06 a share. Shares of Air Products climbed 1.6 percent, to $56.90 in trading Tuesday.

Certegy Q4 earns, sales rise, issues '05 outlook (7:31 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Certegy, Inc.
CEY
reported fourth-quarter net earnings that rose to $37.1 million, or 59 cents per share, from $30.9 million, or 48 cents per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Adjusted earnings for the period came in at 56 cents per share, compared to the 55 cents per share forecast by analysts polled by Thomson First Call. Sales for the period climbed to $282 million from $249 million a year ago. Looking forward, Certegy said it sees first-quarter earnings in the range of 29 cents to 30 cents per share and revenue growth of 10 percent. For 2005, the company said it expects earnings in the range of $1.79 to $1.83 per share on revenue growth of 10 percent to 12 percent. Certegy also said it sees 2005 capital expenditure in the range of $60 million to $65 million. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call forecast 2005 earnings of $1.90 per share and first-quarter earnings of 36 cents per share.

ETrade Q4 dips but beats forecasts (7:26 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- ETrade Financial Corp.
ET
said Wednesday fourth-quarter net earnings fell slightly to $98.4 million, or 26 cents per share, compared with $107.5 million, or 27 cents per share, the year-earlier quarter. The online brokerage said its earnings per share include a gain of 2 cents due to a lower corporate tax rate. The average forecast of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call was for earnings of 22 cents per share. ETrade said revenues of $409.5 million were 10 percent above the year-earlier period. Shares of ETrade closed at $13.39 on Tuesday, up 3.64 percent.

ImClone beats Wall St. view for Q4 by a dime (7:25 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- ImClone Systems
IMCL
reported a fourth-quarter loss of $13.2 million, or 16 cents per share, narrower than its year-ago equivalent loss of $26.3 million, or 35 cents per share. Excluding a charge of $55.4 million related to its litigation settlement, the company posted pro forma earnings of 48 cents per share for the December period. Revenue increased to $107.3 million in the latest three months from $19.8 million in the same period a year earlier. The company's Erbitux anti-cancer drug accounted for sales of $87.8 million in the quarter. The average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call was for a profit of 38 cents per share on revenue of $93.3 million in the quarter. The stock closed Tuesday at $37.45, up 1.3 percent.

Reader's Digest Q2 net falls 13% (7:24 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Reader's Digest Association
RDA
on Wednesday said it earned $57.8 million, or 58 cents a share, on revenue of $798 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2005, down from $66.5 million, or 67 cents a share, on revenue of $796 million in the year ago period. Excluding a 17 cents a share charge for amortization of previously deferred magazine promotion expenses, the publisher would have earned 75 cents a share, topping the 74 cents a share average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call. The company added that results in the current quarter also would have been an additional 6 cents a share higher had magazine promotion expense in fiscal 2004 been accounted for in the same manner as in fiscal 2005. Looking ahead, Reader's Digest reaffirmed its fiscal 2005 outlook for earnings of 77 cents to 87 cents a share, excluding 49 cents a share amortization for deferred magazine promotion costs and special items including restructuring charges. On a reported basis, full-year earnings were expected to be in the range of 28 cents to 38 cents per share. The average First Call forecast for all of fiscal 2005 was for earnings of 80 cents a share.

ChoicePoint Q4 profit rises (7:22 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) - ChoicePoint
CPS
Wednesday reported fourth-quarter net income of $39.2 million, or 43 cents per share, up from $26.9 million, or 30 cents a year earlier. The Alpharetta, Ga.-based provider of identification services quarterly revenue strengthened to about $232.5 million, up from around $200 million a year earlier. On Tuesday the company's stock fell 13 cents to $45.05.

Ametek Q4 tops estimates; outlook matches Street view (7:20 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Ametek Inc.
AME
posted Wednesday fourth quarter net income of $31.4 million, or 45 cents a share compared with $24.4 million, or 36 cents a share in the same quarter in 2003. The maker of electronic instruments and electric motors said sales for the quarter jumped 17 percent to $326.3 million. The Thomson First Call average estimate was for earnings of 44 cents a share on revenue of $320 million. Looking ahead, the Paoli, Pa. company said it expects first quarter earnings in the range of 43 cents to 45 cents a share on sales expected to grow in the low double-digits from last year's quarter. For 2005, Ametek said it is forecasting earnings between $1.85 to $1.95 per share on the back of organic growth in revenues of around 10 percent. The First Call estimate is for first quarter earnings of 44 cents a share and 2005 earnings of $1.87 a share. Ametek ended up 2.4 percent, at $34.81 in trading Tuesday.

Oracle's 2006 earns view exceeds expectations (7:19 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Oracle Corp.
ORCL
said it expects fiscal 2006 earnings to grow 22 to 28 percent over 2005 levels to 76 to 80 cents a share, above the average analyst estimate compiled by Thomson First Call of 70 cents a share. For fiscal 2005, the business software company expects earnings growth of 24 percent to 62 cents a share, matching analyst forecasts. The company added that the PeopleSoft acquisition is projected to add to both 2005 and 2006 earnings. The stock closed Tuesday up 35 cents at $13.59.

Avista Q4 earns misses First Call estimates (7:19 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Energy firm Avista
AVA
said net income for the fourth quarter rose to $22.6 million, or 46 cents a share, from $15.1 million or 31 cents a share, falling short of Thomson First Call estimates of 52 cents a share. Revenue rose to $337.5 million from $309 million. For 2005, the company affirms its outlook for earnings to be in the range of $1.20 to $1.35 per share.

Becton, Dicksinson Q1 profit rises 56%, tops forecast (7:19 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Medical products maker Becton, Dickinson and Co.
BDX
said fiscal first-quarter net profit climbed 56 percent to $195.3 million, or 75 cents a share, from $125.4 million, or 48 cents a share, with sales climbing 8.7 percent to $1.28 billion, helped by favorable currency translation. Its pro forma continuing operations EPS of 71 cents was ahead of broker forecasts of 61 cents a share, according to Thomson First Call, and revenue came in ahead of the forecast of $1.25 billion. Becton Dickinson expects a pro forma diluted EPS in a 70 cent to 72 cent range for the fiscal second quarter, vs. a broker forecast of 70 cents, and a $2.89 to $2.94 range for the fiscal year, vs. a broker call of $3.05.

Eli Lilly tops Wall St. view for Q4 by penny (7:15 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Eli Lilly
LLY
reported a loss of $2.4 million, or breakeven on a per share basis, for the fourth quarter. The latest results include a $465 million tax expense on the expected repatriation of overseas earnings and a number of restructuring charges. Excluding items, the company earned $814.3 million, or 75 cents per share, in the period, a penny ahead of the average estimate of analysts polled by Thomson First Call. Sales rose 5 percent in the latest three months to $3.64 billion. Looking ahead, Lilly forecast earnings before items of $3.05 to $3.15 per share for 2005, surrounding Wall Street's current consensus estimate for a profit of 10 cents per share. The stock closed Tuesday at $54.85, up a penny.

Lear posts Q4 profit fall on sales mix, materials hit (7:10 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Automotive systems supplier Lear Corp.
LEA
said fourth-quarter net profit fell to $123 million, or $1.70 per share, from $132.4 million, or $1.81 per share, citing the mix in sales and the impact from raw materials prices, while sales rose to a company-record $4.29 billion from $4.26 billion. Brokers had forecast an EPS of $1.68, according to Thomson First Call. Lear said it expected sales to be in a range of $4.3 billion and $4.5 billion for the first quarter with EPS to fall to a range of 50 cents to 70 cents a share from $1.24 a year ago. For the year, Lear sees sales rising to between $17.6 billion and $18 billion while EPS will be in a range of $5 to $6; analysts currently expect 2005 EPS of $5.60.

DuPont Photomasks Q2 loss narrows, sales climb (7:07 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- DuPont Photomasks, Inc.
DPMI
reported a second-quarter net loss that narrowed to $5.9 million, or 31 cents per share, from $13.2 million, or 73 cents per share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue for the period rose to $99.2 million from $85.9 million a year ago.

Kodak tops Q4 earns est., 2005 outlook above forecasts (7:00 AM ET) NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Eastman Kodak Co.
EK
reported a fourth-quarter loss of $12 million, or 4 cents a share vs. a profit of $19 million, or 7 cents a share in the same period a year ago. Excluding non-recurring items, such as cost-cutting related charges and gains, operational earnings would have been 78 cents a share, exceeding the average analyst estimate compiled by Thomson First Call of 66 cents. Revenue rose 3 percent to $3.77 billion from last year's $3.65 billion, as 40 percent growth in digital revenue offset a 16 percent drop in traditional film revenue. Looking ahead, the company expects to earn $2.60 to $2.90 a share in 2005 on revenue of $14 billion to $14.6 billion, ahead of analyst projections for earnings of $2.57 a share and revenue of $13.9 billion. The stock closed Tuesday down 17 cents at $31.55.

Knight-Ridder holds to outlook; Q4 ads up, circ down (7:00 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Media group Knight Ridder
KRI
the publisher of 31 daily newspapers, said it remains "on track to achieve the mid to high single-digit earnings per share growth" this year, yet noted that first quarter comparisons "will be challenging," citing in part a ramp-up in expenses as well as the shift in Easter to the second quarter's results. Knight Ridder posted a 13.1 percent rise in fourth quarter earnings per share to $1.38 and said total operating revenue rose 3 percent to $819.4 million as advertising revenue rose 4.7 percent to $648.5 million. Circulation revenue dropped 3.7 percent to $134.7 million. It said the decline in circulation revenue in the fourth quarter "reflects discounting and circulation decline."

Active Power Q4 net loss 12c, sees '05 revs up 50-75% (6:52 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Electric products maker Active Power
ACPW
said its net loss for the fourth quarter widened to $5.1 million, or 12 cents per share, from $4.4 million, or 10 cents a share. Sales up 98 percent to $4.8 million from last year. Active Power said it expects the first quarter sales to be around $4 to $4.5 million and earnings per share to be a loss of around 11 cents to 13 cents due to "typical seasonality." It expects revenues to increase 50 percent to 75 percent in 2005.

Steris Q3 earnings fall, sales rise (6:37 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Steris Corp.
STE
reported third-quarter net earnings that fell to $24.5 million, or 35 cents per diluted share, from $27.1 million, or 38 cents per diluted share, in the year-earlier quarter. Revenue for the period rose 4 percent to $284.4 million, driven by strong growth in the healthcare and Isomedix business segments. Looking forward, Steris said it sees fourth-quarter earnings in the range of 41 cents to 43 cents per diluted share. For fiscal 2005, the company said it sees revenue growth of 2 percent to 3 percent and earnings in the range of $1.28 to $1.30 per diluted share.

Q1 profit sharply lower for Mothers Work; Q2 loss seen (6:21 AM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Mothers Work Inc.
MWRK
posted earnings of $100,000, or 1 cent per share, in the first quarter ended Dec. 31, down from $2.1 million, or 37 cents, earned in the comparable period in fiscal 2004. The maternity apparel retailer's sales reached $133.6 million, up 1.5 percent from the year-earlier quarter, as comparable-store sales skidded 4.2 percent. According to Thomson First Call, analysts' average forecasts were for Mothers Work to earn 2 cents per share on revenue of $134 million in the latest quarter. CEO Rebecca Matthias cited "the dramatically increased competitive pressures in the maternity apparel business." For the second quarter, Mothers Work is targeting a loss of 20 cents to 30 cents per share on net sales in the $140 million range, and for the year the company sees earnings coming in below fiscal 2004's $1.07 per share on sales of $565 million to $573 million. Shares of Mothers Work added 30 cents, or 2.2 percent, to end Tuesday's trading at $13.76.

Praxair Q4 earns, revs beats Street expectations (6:13 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Industrial gases company Praxair
PX
said net income for the fourth quarter rose to $181 million, or 55 cents a share, from $155 million, or 47 cents a share. This was slighly ahead of estimates of 54 cents a share by Thomson First Call. Sales rose 22 percent to $1.8 billion, ahead of expectations of $1.66 billion. For the first quarter, Praxair expects earnings per share to be between 56 cents to 58 cents. In 2005, Praxair expects sales and operating profit growth in the range of 11 percent to 15 percent. Earnings are expected to be in the range of $2.33 to $2.45 per share. "We believe that economic activity in North America, South America and Asia will continue to be strong, while growth in Europe is likely to slow somewhat from 2004.," it said.

Regis Corp.'s Q2 profit drops 3%; CEO 'disappointed' (6:11 AM ET) WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Regis Corp.
RGS
posted earnings of $26.8 million, or 58 cents per share, for the second quarter ended Dec. 31, down from $27.7 million, or 60 cents, earned in the same period in fiscal 2004. The hair-care salon operator's revenue reached $537.3 million, up from $472.5 million in the year-earlier quarter, as same-store sales increased 0.4 percent. Analysts had, on average, been looking for quarterly earnings of 58 cents per share on revenue of $533 million. "We are obviously disappointed with our second-quarter results," said CEO Paul Finkelstein, adding the company's salons experienced "a significant drop-off in traffic" during the latter half of December. The company affirmed its full-year outlook, including generating earnings of $2.35 to $2.47 per share. Shares of Regis added 7 cents to end Tuesday's trading at $39.84.

BMW '04 sales up 6.8%, sees record sales in 2005 (2:58 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- German carmaker BMW(DE:519000)said sales in 2004 rose 6.8 percent to 44.35 billion euros and said it had achieved all its sales targets. The carmaker expects record sales in 2005, it said.

Air Liquide FY '04 sales grow, seen higher than FY'03 (2:47 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- French industrial gas group Air Liquide(FR:012007)said Wednesday that full year sales rose to 9.38 billion euros ($12.98 billion), compared to 8.4 billion euros in the year-earlier quarter. Excluding currency effects and gas prices, fiscal 2004 sales grew 7.1 percent from the year ago period. In the fourth quarter sales grew to 2.554 billion euros from 2.155 billion euros. Air Liquide said it sees fiscal 2004 results higher than in 2003 and said it believes growth will continue in 2005, fueled by geographical expansion.

ARM sees 'little or no growth' in semiconductors in '05 (2:43 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- ARM
ARMHY
(UK:ARM)said it expects it expects "little or no growth over 2004" in the semiconductor industry in 2005 but expects a year of growth in dollar-denominated revenues for the company. It swung to a net income in the fourth quarter of 4.5 million pounds. It had a net loss of 431,000 pounds in the same quarter last year. Revenues rose 22 percent to 41.5 million, not including revenue from its acquisition of Artisan. The ARM stand-alone order backlog was up 30 percent at the end of 2004 compared to the end of 2003. It said it remains exposed to further weakening in the U.S. dollar as 90 percent of revenues are earned in dollars.

SAP says gains U.S. share in Q4 to 38% of software rev. (2:37 AM ET) LONDON (CBS.MW) -- German business applications software provider SAP
SAP
(DE:716460)said it gained market share in the U.S., capturing 38 percent of software revenue in the fourth quarter, up from a 37 percent share of the market's software revenue in the third quarter. For the year, SAP said it gained 6 percentage points of market share against its peer group in the U.S. in 2004. SAP defines its rivals as Microsoft Corp.
MSFT
in business solutions segment; Oracle Corp.-PeopleSoft
ORCL
in business applications as well as Siebel Systems [s:sebl].

Vodafone: strongest quarter of net adds since Dec. 2000 (2:32 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- U.K. mobile operator Vodafone Group(UK:VOD)
VOD
said Wednesday that it registered 5.4 million organic net additions in the third quarter ended Dec. 31, the strongest quarter of net additions since Dec. 2000. The latest additions bring Vodafone's total customer base to 151.8 million. The company said Vodafone live! customers increased 3.9 million, bringing the total Vodafone live! customer base to 28.3 million, including 12.9 million in Japan. Regarding 3G, Vodafone said it has over 170,000 3G-enabled customers. Average revenue per user continued to develop in line with expectations, the operator said, as non-voice services grew to 16.7 percent of controlled service revenue. Vodafone reiterated its guidance for fiscal 2005.

Mitchells & Butlers says 'good start' to fiscal year (2:30 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Pubs owner and manager Mitchells & Butlers(UK:MAB)said it has made a good start to the fiscal year, although the "outlook for consumer spending is increasingly uncertain." It said trading is line with expectations, with comparable sales in the first 16 weeks of the year to Jan. 15 up 5.2 percent, or 3.8 percent on an uninvested basis. Total retail sales were up 5 percent led by strong growth in food sales.

Essilor Int'l sales climb 6.7 percent in 2004 (2:29 AM ET) LONDON (MarketWatch) -- Essilor International(FR:012166), the contact lens maker that recently joined France's CAC-40 index, said Wednesday that sales in 2004 rose 6.7 percent to 2.25 billion euros, or a 10.4 percent rise at constant currencies. It said it saw sharp growth in all regions outside of Germany.

Lender Northern Rock: Home move mkt to stay 2004 levels (2:21 AM ET) LONDON (CBS.MW) -- British mortgage lender Northern Rock(UK:NRK), a FTSE-100 component, Wednesday said gross lending reached a record 23.3 billion pounds last year as it raised its share of net U.K. mortgage lending to 11.2 percent from 7.8 percent in 2003. Comparable pre-tax profits rose 13 percent to 431.2 million pounds. "In the second half of the year our lending volume remained strong even though the housing market slowed," the lender said. "The home moving market is expected to continue to remain at similar levels to 2004, at the lower end of longer term trends, for at least the next two years." Its charge for provisions for bad and doubtful debts in 2004 rose to 56.5 million pounds from 48.7 million in 2003. Northern Rocks expects the IFRS accounting impact on its published pre-tax profits "will not be large, with a likely restatement to 2004's results of under 5 percent."

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